Image Bank: VC45 Clone Trooper (Phase I)

By Mike — Saturday, April 21, 2012

Plain vanilla ice cream is sometimes all you need to take care of that sweet tooth. It's uncomplicated yet classically flavorful. In the case of the VC45 Phase I Clone Trooper, Hasbro makes plain white even more intriguing by drafting an all new, spectacular sculpt that's aesthetically and proportionally pleasing, proving that super articulation is not the end all, be all of vanilla ice cream or Clone Troopers.

Cardback: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you! [IMAGE BANK PHOTOS]

SCULPT/PAINT: The all new sculpt is less bulkier and more proportioned than the VC15 Clone Trooper and clearly upstages it. He's almost perfectly scaled down from the real thing. Hasbro made several attempts that almost got there, but this sculpt is near the promised land of perfection. There are minor points to quibble like some minor deco details missed on the helmet, but this has to be the template for future Clones of any phase to come, and it looks good so far with ARC Trooper Commander (Fordo) sharing the same body.

The head sculpt also appears to be new, or some variation of the same idea. It wouldn't hurt Hasbro or canon to add a little more diversity like they have with the Clone Wars assortment and Captain Fordo for variety's sake.

ARTICULATION: He's battle and army building ready, if you can find and afford enough of him, with 14 points of articulation that includes ball joint hips and torso. This trooper even features bend and swivel wrists to hold his blasters properly. There are limits to his range of movement since his shoulder plates lack the swivels to articulate his arms at certain vertical positions, but on the plus side, it's more aesthetically pleasing.

ACCESSORIES: The blaster and blaster rifles that's included feature additional silver/metal deco that enhances interest and adds a nice touch of detail. His removable helmet fits well and correctly proportioned with the rest of the figure.

CARDBACK: He's white and plain so this Clone Trooper doesn't look as intriguing in the blister as he does out in the wild. There's Geonosis action on the front of the card and a shot of his original appearance on a blue Saga card on the back, which technically is inaccurate since he was first issued as a pre-posed and dirtied up Episode II Sneak Preview figure on a POTJ card back in 2002.

TOPPING THINGS OFF: There have been two Phase II Clones released before this on the older body style but this is clearly the one to have. The detail and proportion of the sculpt s amazing and the ball jointed super articulation will allow you to pose him in various battle or neutral stances. If you're fortunate, he's been showing up at discount retailers along like TJ Maxx with the rest of Wave 6 for $5 each. But unless Hasbro re-issues him in a troop builder set exclusive (Hint, hint EE!) or even a Battle Pack, building an army let alone a squad, will be expensive with a lot of effort. This Trooper puts the the attack in Attack of the Clones. I wouldn't even mind him coming in addtiional Skittles colorways. This is an essential acquisition.